Hello! Hello! Hello!
Over the weekend I chanced upon David Claerbout’s work at a museum that inspired me to write this. The piece was a video installation. A television was kept on the floor in a room and had around 4-5 people viewing it with great interest and anticipation. I too joined the small group. On the screen you can see a bird and a cat. Now, we have seen enough episodes of The Slyster and Tweety Mysteries to feel a pit in our stomach. Anticipating the worst case scenario, all of us remained glued to the screen, transfixed with dread. Will the cat pounce on the bird? Will the bird manage to escape away? Picture this : people were murmuring, the crowd around television had gotten bigger, we were collectively waiting with bated breath to see what happens next. I stood there for a while, absorbing the crowd dynamic and video on screen with an equal interest, and then moved to find some information on the exhibit. This is what the wall label said :
I could not help but smile. Firstly, kudos to Mr Claerbout for this captive installation and secondly, how all of us (the crowd who was watching the installation) could have benefitted from reading the wall label first, instead of diving right in and being glued to the television screen. His work did what art does - make you think/feel.
This exhibit reinforced the importance of reining our instinct to catastrophize. It also made me think of numerous questions I receive that are based on assumptions, both in the sphere of interpersonal communication to public speaking - What if I don’t know the answer/ What if no one likes my presentation / What if I am boring the other person / What if I get something wrong…you get the idea.This was the sign from the universe to write down this fool proof guide for the times you find yourself in one of these ‘what if’ scenarios :
Recognise - It is human to feel so
Kudos! This instinct has kept humans alive! Our ancestors had to be vigilant and suspicious at all times to survive and this instinct stayed on. Uncertainty does not bode well and we go in ‘better-safe-than-sorry - Alastor-Moody-approves’ mode. Recognise that it is natural and probably just stems from you not having enough information! It could be in the form of (but not limited to) : too many variables out of your control, facing uncertainty with respect to not knowing the tone of the message/email, not having enough experience or not knowing where your audience stands, so on and forth.
Leave high jumps to athletes
Memorise this meme and everytime you find yourself thinking about what could be the future consequences of an email/ text message/ interview etc. try to recollect this meme! Let this be a visual representation of how in real life, there are many possible ‘in-between/middling outcomes/scenarios’. You may not receive the same adoration and fawning that a rockstar gets when they are up on the stage but there would be people in the crowd who would pay attention to what you have to say.Trust me, even if just one person takes away something from your speech, you are good!
Seek Information & Prep Prep Prep
Boss messaged that you need to talk and you have been worried since? Have to present at an investor pitch and you are worried that you will tank? When faced with such situations, seek clarity.
You could respond to your boss with : Sure. Let me know when. Would be great if you could tell me what is on the agenda so I am well prepared for the call and have all the relevant documents/presentations at hand.
Similarly, you can do your research on the potential investors, see their past projects, customise it to highlight the parts that best align with their interests and practise the presentation with different groups so that you are best prepared for the presentation.
There is nothing more effective than information and facts to escape catastrophizing.
There you go. Next time your mind goes places and starts to catastrophize, remind yourself : This is not realistic. Say it aloud if you need to.
Ask questions,follow up and arm yourself with information.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Hoping that it is a ‘hot coffee, blue skies, warm weather’ kinda Tuesday for you.
Have a good week ahead!
P.S. David Claerbout is not just talented but looks like he is pretty funny too
